A Day in the Life of
a Biomedical Sciences Student
– With Daniel Richardson, KU Melbourne
Biomedical Science is a program offered at KU preparing students for fields in healthcare, biomedical science, and professional schools for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc. I caught up with one of my partners in the ICUF Presidential Fellows Program, Daniel Richardson, who is not only a student in the Biomedical Science program, but he is also an American Veteran! How fitting that he is featured today, the day before veterans day! I asked him a few questions about what it’s like to be a Biomedical Sciences student and what his plans are after graduation.
Take a look:
What made you decide to join the Biomedical Sciences program?
I have always been more interested in science and mathematics than other areas of study such as Liberal Arts. I was first introduced to Healthcare in the Military. As an Infantryman, I received additional training in First Aid and Sanitation, where I was trained as a Combat Lifesaver, and EMT-B. This training introduced me to the human body and its many different systems. The complexity along with the various interventions performed in the application of healthcare fascinated me. Deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan gave me extensive first-hand experience treating traumatic injuries and illnesses faced by soldiers in combat. I wanted to learn more and the biomedical program encompasses all of these things and will allow me to continue pursuing an education in healthcare.
What are some of your favorite classes and what makes them your favorite?
Anatomy and Physiology: When I was in EMT school, they would tell you how giving oxygen helps and where it goes but never why or how? I wanted to know what happened on a molecular level to the air we breathe and the food we eat. How do fevers work, the immune system? This class answered all of this and much more.
Chemistry: It explains the very essence of life as we know it.
Have you participated in any cool projects or activities you would like to share?
Members of the Student Veterans of America at the Melbourne campus participate in monthly ‘search and rescues’ for homeless veterans. We are able to help connect them to previously unknown resources and services they may be entitled to, that could eventually help them get off the streets. Also the “Stand Down” event where veterans living on the streets can come and receive free medical, dental, and legal services in addition to receiving/exchanging supplies (sleeping bags, tents, canteens, etc.). These events really do help those in our area and it’s a fun time too.
Do you ever have those days where you just don’t feel like going to class or doing classwork? (I know I do) How do you push through it?
Coffee, lots of coffee! Also, I know that if I want to go to Physicians Assistant School, I need to work hard now. This requires sacrifice, time, money, and definitely sleep. This is what it takes; you have to ask yourself everyday how badly you want it. It’s really a mental game that I refuse to lose.
Do you have any advice for students wanting to or who are currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences?
This program is very information-dense and will cover an array of subjects, all eventually pointing toward graduate level education. Some classes you may really enjoy, while others may feel like “mandatory fun.” Either way, you still have to complete all that is required. I try to find at least one thing in every subject/chapter to focus on; just one thing that I find interesting and let the exploration of that help me get through the rest of it. Try to ask questions and correlate it to something you know. This should facilitate the learning process and make it more enjoyable.
If you are interested in learning more about the Bio Med program, check out Keiser University’s degree program in Biomedical Sciences, BS.
I want to personally thank Daniel for participating in this interview with me. It was a delight speaking with him, and getting to know him as well as the Biomedical Sciences program. I look forward to working with him in the ICUF Presidential Fellows Program.
Also, thank you for your service Daniel and I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing Veterans Day!
As always, feel free to email me with your comments, questions, concerns, and suggestions!
Your fellow KU student,
My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.
